Power Plant Technology

The Power Plant Technology program is designed to prepare students to enter skilled positions within the energy industry. The associate of applied science degree offers tracks in mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance, instrumentation and control, and radiation protection technology and non-licensed operations. The program consists of a core common curriculum consistent with energy programs around the state, which provides students with two nationally-recognized credentials.

The program partners closely with the state’s major energy providers, including Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, to offer students courses applicable to the industry and opportunities for internships and apprenticeships.

Why Power Plant Technology @EMCC?

EMCC and the PPT program are part of the Arizona Sun Corridor Consortium, leading the national initiative known as "Get Into Energy."

Estrella Mountain’s hands-on Power Plant Technology program prepares students to work in the electrical generation and transmission industry. Arizona is home to several of the largest power plants in the United States, which are facing large attrition rates due to retirements over the next few years. EMCC is one of just 33 colleges nationally, and the only college in the state of Arizona to have its program certified by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) to offer students a nuclear certification. Program graduates that meet a minimum requirement can receive the NEI’s Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) certificate, which is recognized by all U.S. nuclear power plants.

This program is part of the Energy Institute at EMCC, which helps students succeed by offering educational networks and professional opportunities within their selected field(s) of study.

Career and Employment Outlook

With nearly 50 percent of the energy industry reaching retirement eligibility, multiple career options exist for students completing one of the five tracks within the Power Plant Technology degree, including:

Mechanical Maintenance: Apprentices and Journeymen responsible for maintenance of compressors, engines, turbines, heat exchangers and pumps among other equipment essential for power plant operations.

Electrical Maintenance: Apprentices and Journeymen responsible for maintaining the electrical systems essential for power plant operation.

Radiation Protection Technician: Individuals responsible for operating equipment to monitor and detect radiation levels for the safety of the power plants, its employees, and the surrounding environment.

Non-Licensed Operator: Individuals responsible for supporting the senior reactor operators in the control and management of nuclear plant operations, while ensuring safe and reliable electricity generation.